Straight-talking, common sense from the front line of management

Q I was in Edinburgh recently to watch a rugby match and I noticed you have a lot of shops there. Have you considered how your business will be affected if Scotland becomes independent? For example, would you be paying lower rates or would Scotland be signing up to different European employment laws?

A Scotland plays an important part in the Timpson business. We have about 80 Scottish shops – all are profitable and some feature in our top 20 shops nationwide. The main secret of our Scottish success is to give control to the people north of the border; we trust our 100pc home- grown Scottish regional management team to look after the detail. They like it that way.

The words of Alex Salmond suggest our business will get even better after the referendum.

Perhaps his promise of a paradise with lower taxes and faster growth will extend to finding a future for the high streets that even Mary Portas failed to fix.

But Mr Salmond is dreaming. In reality, Scottish Nationalists won’t find it so easy. Pressure from voters may push up government spending, increase the minimum wage and bring higher taxes to fund the investment previously paid for by Westminster.

We would make less, not more, money in Scotland and the only thing we might gain is the Queen’s Award for export.

But, despite having a significant part of our business based on Scottish pound notes, I’m not bothered. Whichever government is in power, our success will always depend on how well we look after our customers.

Anyway, I don’t expect it to happen. I’m pretty sure the bookies are right to quote about 7/1 against an Independent Scotland.

Just to check, I asked Alex, our Glaswegian regional manager, for his referendum forecast “We might be daft,” was his reply, “but we’re not that daft. Most Scottish cobblers will be voting 'No!’ ”

Q I am a manager of a medium-sized department in a fairly large corporation. There are around 15 people in my team. A few months ago, a rather unpleasant nickname for me began circulating. I’m trying not to let it upset me, but it does. How can I shake off this horrible new moniker?

A Without knowing the nasty name being used behind your back, it’s difficult to offer specific advice, but I can’t help wondering why you attract such negative attention. Judging by your concern, I guess the nickname is more offensive than just Big Ears or Fatso.

People can be pretty cruel, but there is usually a trigger that starts the name- calling. It could be prompted by a reputation for being grumpy, lazy, sexually over-active or even having body odour. If there’s a hidden message, take the hint. That may be enough to stop the insults.

If your team persists in talking behind your back, tackle them face to face – let them know you know about the insults and ask them why. At the same time, talk to your boss, who shouldn’t be standing by while you are being bullied.

The last resort is to move on and find a happier job elsewhere. But make sure you don’t deserve to be given the same nickname by your new colleagues.

Q This is not a business question. I am planning a party for my teenage children and their friends. As you must have done this in the past for your children and foster children, have you any tips to offer, as I am dreading the task?

A Office and teenage parties have similar pitfalls, but there is a subtle difference. Your team expects you to turn up at the office do (but make sure you leave before the dancing starts and drink gives colleagues the courage to criticise their boss).

In contrast, your child will hope you won’t be attending their party. Ignore that temptation, especially if they plan to invade your home.

Stay around until every guest has disappeared or fallen asleep.

Following mistakes made when our children were teenagers, I wrote a Guide to Teenage Parties, which I’ll send to any reader who emails their address to askjohn@telegraph.com.

Here is a flavour of what to expect:

Send a formal invitation, as it discourages gatecrashers. Less than 65pc will reply, but don’t assume the rest have refused. Never let your child issue invitations by word of mouth, because their message will be passed on to many more friends than you bargained for.

Your child may have “really nice chums”, but will probably invite at least one tearaway and one is enough to create mayhem.

If possible, push the idea of hiring a local hall, as it could be a big money- saver. You will want to protect your property, and safety precautions for a party at home can cost a great deal.

If you can afford it, hire a marquee and make the house out of bounds. Portable toilets are expensive but should stop guests roaming round your home. Most guests will be staying the night, so designate a community sleeping area or, even better, buy a couple of tents.

Make as much of the house as possible out of bounds. Lock internal doors, lock your car, any outbuildings and, if you have one, lock your wine cellar. I don’t want to be alarmist but consider hiring a security guard, and check that you have a well-stocked first aid kit.

Hire a sound system. Guests may take little notice of the music, but the DJ creates a friendly atmosphere and comes with a wealth of experience. He can tell you how the party is going, where and who the problems are, and what to do next.

If your child goes to a boarding school, expect some guests to arrive two days early and use your house as a hotel while they visit other friends in your area. Most guests that come from a distance will expect you to pick them up from the train.

Initially, the guests will appear more mature than we were at their age, but don’t be fooled.

For the first two hours, a lot will drink and some will drink a lot. Girls talk to girls and boys to boys – at first it appears like an adult drinks party, then one by one they start to enjoy themselves, and the party will spread as far through your house as possible.

You can’t supervise while standing in one place. Find an excuse to wander about – collect empty glasses or pick up litter. Stay on patrol until everyone is docile and you think it is safe to go to your bed (but don’t say “Goodnight”).

Your guests won’t be so cheerful when they wake up in the morning, but you will be only too willing to give them a lift back to the railway station. Don’t expect many to write a letter of thanks, although a couple of emails thanking you for an awesome party will make it all feel well worthwhile.

John Timpson is the chairman of high-street cobbler and key-cutter Timpson. Send him an email at: askjohn@telegraph.co.uk